In Fes, Morocco- a workshop under the theme, “Communication for a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy“ opens with speaker after speaker stressed on the importance of the blue economy.
The gathering which opened at the Barcelo Hotels and Resorts in Fes, Morocco, on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 on the theme “Communication for a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy“, is co-organized by the Ministerial Conference for Fisheries Cooperation in African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean (ATLAFCO) and the Media Observatory for Sustainable Fisheries in Africa (MOSFA).
It brings together government representatives, fisheries experts, members of civil society, specialized journalists [among them a regional Network of Journalists and Communicators Reporting on Fisheries, in short- MOSFA], and private sector actors to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to sustainable management of marine resources. It avails the opportunity for speakers to stress on the importance of blue economy.
In his opening statement, Mr. Abdellah Benmasour, Director of Strategy and Cooperation at the Directorate of Maritime Fisheries of Morocco, representing the Minister of Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, told delegates that blue economy is a global project as a development model capable of reconciling economic growth, environmental preservation and social progress.
He spoke on the fisheries strategy for the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector supported by innovative projects and some blue belt initiatives in Morocco.
“In this context, the new vision initiated by King Mohammed V of Morocco marks a strategic turning point for the African continent. Our ambition is for Africa to position itself as a world leader in the global blue economy capable of responding to environmental and economic challenges” he said.
Mr. Léonce Assioun, Coordinator of MOSFA, spoke at length on the importance of the regional workshop saying it is to discuss the importance of communication for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy in Africa.
He said the workshop has a special significance to allow MOSFA members to strengthen their commitment to sustainable fisheries in the region.
Mr Assioun thanked delegates and recognized the important role played by ATLAFCO as a partner of MOSFA since 2019.
He added that the partnership and collaboration demonstrated a shared commitment to promoting responsible fishing and preserving the marine for the future generations.
He further reminded his fellow journalists and communicators on the responsibilities needed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the marine resources and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Mr Taoufik El Ktiri, Executive Secretary of ATLAFCO said the workshop is an opportunity to build on innovative actions and projects such as the Moroccan Fisheries Observatory, a tool for communicating scientific fisheries data in real time and the African Web TV project dedicated to the dissemination of information and knowledge based on the collaborative platform of the Blue Belt Initiative.
